FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers 2026: Up to BRL 2.5 Million for Researchers to Establish Research Programs in Brazil

The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) has launched the Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers 2026, a major research funding opportunity designed to attract outstanding researchers from around the world to establish or consolidate independent research careers at leading higher education and research institutions in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

The international call seeks researchers with strong academic trajectories, internationally recognized expertise, demonstrated research achievements, and the potential to become scientific leaders in strategically important fields.

Under the 2026 call, FAPESP plans to support up to 20 outstanding researchers, with successful projects receiving funding of up to BRL 2.5 million per proposal. A Young Investigator Fellowship may also be requested in addition to this funding limit.

Research projects will have a duration of 60 months, providing successful researchers with substantial time and resources to establish laboratories, build research teams, develop independent research programs, and pursue internationally competitive scientific work in São Paulo.

Applications must be submitted by November 19, 2026.

About the FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers

The Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers is an initiative of the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP).

FAPESP is a public foundation of the State of São Paulo with a mission to support research across all fields of knowledge at higher education and research institutions throughout São Paulo.

The Foundation operates in close collaboration with the scientific community, and research proposals submitted for FAPESP support undergo peer review involving specialists in relevant disciplines.

Through this dedicated international call, FAPESP aims to strengthen São Paulo’s scientific and technological leadership by attracting researchers currently based outside Brazil who have the expertise and potential to develop independent, high-impact research programs.

The 2026 initiative is expected to support up to 20 researchers.

Purpose of the 2026 International Call

The central purpose of the FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers is to attract outstanding scientific talent from abroad to research institutions in São Paulo.

FAPESP is seeking researchers who can establish or consolidate their research careers in the state while creating independent and internationally competitive research programs.

The initiative is particularly focused on candidates who demonstrate:

• Outstanding expertise in their respective fields;
• Originality and independence in research;
• Strong scientific achievements following completion of their doctorate;
• Potential for scientific leadership;
• Ability to establish an independent research program;
• Capacity to create new research collaborations;
• Potential to conduct high-impact research; and
• A research trajectory demonstrating international competitiveness.

Successful applicants are expected to establish a research laboratory and develop a dedicated research program at an institution located in the State of São Paulo.

Research Areas Supported by the FAPESP Young Investigator Grant 2026

Projects submitted under this international call must fall within the strategic research themes identified by FAPESP.

The eligible research areas are:

1. Biotechnology
2. Energy Transition
3. Biodiversity, Sustainable Production and Food Security
4. Digital Transition and Artificial Intelligence
5. Quantum Science and Technology
6. Human and Animal Health
7. Public Security

These fields reflect areas that FAPESP considers strategically important for strengthening scientific and technological development.

Projects approved specifically under the artificial intelligence research theme will be affiliated with the recently established São Paulo Artificial Intelligence Research Center, which is supported by FAPESP, MCTI/CGI.br and São Paulo State Universities.

Who Can Apply?

The 2026 call is specifically designed to attract researchers who are currently living and working outside Brazil.

Researchers of all nationalities may apply, provided they satisfy the program’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants must have been living and working abroad for at least two years after completing their PhD.

Eligible professional experience abroad can include:

• Postdoctoral appointments;
• Research fellowships;
• Permanent academic positions;
• Permanent research positions; or
• Other qualifying appointments at research institutions.

Applicants must also be residing abroad when they submit their proposals.

The successful researcher is expected to relocate to São Paulo and establish or consolidate their research career at an eligible research institution in the state.

Research Experience and Leadership Requirements

Simply holding a PhD is not sufficient to make an application competitive.

FAPESP expects applicants to demonstrate significant achievements since completing their doctoral studies.

Their academic and research trajectory should provide evidence of:

• Original scientific contributions;
• Research independence;
• Leadership capacity;
• Scientific impact;
• International research experience;
• Ability to establish an independent research program;
• Capacity to build research collaborations; and
• Potential to undertake ambitious research at the frontier of knowledge.

Applicants must demonstrate outstanding expertise and leadership within their respective fields through the quality, originality, relevance, and impact of their scientific achievements.

Establishing a Research Program in São Paulo

An important feature of the program is that successful researchers are not simply expected to conduct a temporary research visit in Brazil.

Applicants should be prepared to establish a research laboratory and develop a dedicated research program at an institution in the State of São Paulo.

Successful candidates are expected to become fully integrated into their host institutions and demonstrate a strong commitment to both the proposed project and their research position.

This makes the program particularly relevant for international researchers seeking an opportunity to establish or consolidate an independent academic and scientific career in Brazil.

Independent Research Requirement

Competitive proposals must present a clearly defined and independent research line led by the applicant.

Researchers may collaborate with established research groups on particular topics, and such collaborations are permitted and encouraged.

However, the proposed project should demonstrate the applicant’s own scientific independence and ability to lead an internationally competitive research program.

This distinction is important because FAPESP is seeking researchers capable of developing new scientific directions rather than merely joining existing projects as supporting researchers.

Funding Available

One of the most significant features of the FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers 2026 is the scale of funding available.

The maximum funding available per proposal is BRL 2,500,000.

This amount represents the maximum requested project budget under the call.

Importantly, the Young Investigator Fellowship may be requested in addition to the BRL 2.5 million funding limit.

Funding will follow the applicable FAPESP criteria and regulations for the Young Investigator Grant.

Young Investigator Fellowship

A Young Investigator Fellowship may be awarded for up to the full duration of the research grant.

The fellowship can continue until the Principal Investigator obtains a permanent position at a university or research institution in the State of São Paulo.

This arrangement is intended to provide researchers with support while they establish themselves within São Paulo’s research ecosystem.

During implementation of the project, Principal Investigators are encouraged to apply for permanent positions available at their host institution or other universities and research institutions within São Paulo.

This creates a potential pathway toward a longer-term academic or research career in Brazil.

Funding for Research Team Members

Successful applicants may also request scholarships and fellowships for members of their research teams in accordance with the applicable FAPESP rules.

Potential categories include:

• PhD scholarships;
• Master’s scholarships;
• Scientific Initiation scholarships;
• Postdoctoral Fellowships; and
• Other eligible fellowship modalities under FAPESP rules.

For this particular call, however, only one scholarship or fellowship of each modality can be included in a proposal.

For each requested fellowship, the applicant must provide a one-page summary explaining the research objectives, work plan, and implementation schedule associated with that position.

Relocation Support for International Researchers

Successful applicants currently living abroad may also qualify for relocation support.

According to the call, this can include airfare for the successful applicant in accordance with FAPESP’s applicable relocation-support rules.

This is particularly important because the program requires selected researchers to establish their research activities within the State of São Paulo rather than conducting the project remotely from another country.

Number of Researchers to Be Supported

FAPESP states that a maximum of 20 fellowships will be awarded under this international call.

The program is therefore selective and aimed at researchers with particularly strong academic records and ambitious research proposals.

Candidates should ensure that both their scientific track record and proposed research clearly demonstrate originality, impact, independence, and international competitiveness.

Project Duration

Research projects submitted under the program must have a duration of:

60 months

This represents a five-year research period.

Upon request and subject to evaluation by FAPESP, both the project and associated fellowship may potentially be extended by up to 12 additional months.

The five-year structure provides researchers with substantial time to establish laboratories, recruit and develop research teams, generate scientific outputs, establish collaborations, and consolidate independent research programs.

Potential Long-Term Career Pathway

The program may also serve as a pathway toward longer-term academic and scientific careers within São Paulo.

During implementation, Principal Investigators are encouraged to apply for available permanent positions at their host institution or other eligible universities and research institutions in the state.

Researchers who obtain permanent positions after completing their projects may potentially continue their work through other FAPESP funding mechanisms.

This can include the Young Investigator Grant – Phase 2, provided the researcher satisfies the relevant eligibility criteria and successfully completes the applicable merit-review process.

Documents Required for Application

Applicants must prepare a comprehensive proposal package.

1. Short CV

Candidates must submit a short CV in English of no more than five pages.

It should include relevant researcher identification information, including:

• Scopus ID;
• Google Scholar profile; and
• Web of Science ResearcherID.

Applicants must also provide a career summary of no more than 400 words.

The CV should explain the applicant’s most important scientific achievements and their relevance to the proposed research project.

Candidates must identify their five most important publications, explaining their leadership role in the research and the scientific impact of those contributions.

The CV must additionally identify the applicant’s three most significant invited talks, academic degrees, and previous professional appointments.

2. Research Trajectory Letter

Applicants must provide a letter of no more than two pages explaining how their research trajectory evolved toward the central concept underlying the proposed project.

The letter should highlight significant findings, observations, scientific developments, and experiences that contributed to the development of the proposed research direction.

3. Research Project

Applicants must submit a detailed research project demonstrating:

• Clearly defined objectives;
• Originality;
• Scientific ambition;
• Strong scientific rationale;
• Potential advances at the frontier of knowledge;
• International competitiveness;
• Feasibility of implementation; and
• The research team’s capacity to complete the work successfully.

The main body of the research project must not exceed 20 pages, including references, excluding annexes and supporting documents.

4. Fellowship Work Plans

If scholarships or fellowships are requested for team members, applicants must clearly describe the activities associated with each position.

A one-page summary must be submitted for every requested fellowship, including the research objectives, work plan, and implementation schedule.

5. Budget Information

Applicants must enter requested budget items through FAPESP’s SAGe system.

Vendor quotations must be provided for capital equipment that will be purchased in Brazil or abroad when its value exceeds the threshold specified under FAPESP regulations.

Language of Application

Research proposals must be submitted in English.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their scientific arguments, methodology, objectives, expected results, and broader research rationale are presented clearly and professionally in English.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through FAPESP’s SAGe system.

Applicants using the English interface should navigate through:

New Proposal > Special Programs > YIG – Young Investigator Grant > Grant for International Researchers > Call for Proposals (2026)

Candidates should prepare their documentation well before the deadline because the application involves several substantial components, including a research proposal, academic CV, research-trajectory letter, fellowship plans where applicable, and budget documentation.

Evaluation Process

The proposal submission and evaluation process consists of three major stages:

1. Submission of the proposal;
2. Evaluation by external reviewers and FAPESP’s evaluation process; and
3. Online presentation and interview for selected candidates.

Initial Eligibility Assessment

An Evaluation Committee will assess whether the applicant and proposed research align with the objectives and expected profile of the international Young Investigator Grant.

The assessment considers factors including:

• Originality and innovation;
• Potential scientific impact;
• Potential societal impact;
• Scientific quality;
• Research relevance;
• Project feasibility;
• Potential contribution to advancing knowledge;
• Applicant’s scientific background;
• Research achievements; and
• Career trajectory.

Full Proposal Evaluation

Full proposals will be sent to at least two external reviewers.

A FAPESP evaluation panel will consider these assessments when reviewing the applications.

Among the issues considered will be the project’s potential impact on its field, its relationship to existing scientific work, and whether it provides new approaches to relevant research challenges.

Reviewers and the evaluation panel will also consider the applicant’s capacity to establish new strategic collaborations with research institutions at local, regional, and international levels while maintaining scientific independence.

Interview Stage

Candidates whose full proposals receive a positive recommendation may be invited to participate in an online oral presentation and interview with members of the Evaluation Committee.

Applicants should therefore be prepared not only to submit a strong written proposal but also to explain and defend their proposed research program, its significance, methodology, feasibility, originality, and potential impact.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting full proposals is:

November 19, 2026

Applicants should ensure that all required materials are submitted through the appropriate FAPESP system before the deadline.

Results Announcement

FAPESP expects the final results to be announced beginning in:

June 2027

Successful projects should normally begin before December 2027, except where exceptional circumstances apply.

Key Dates at a Glance

• Call Announcement: September 2026
• Full Proposal Deadline: November 19, 2026
• Final Results: From June 2027
• Expected Project Start: Before December 2027
• Project Duration: 60 months
• Possible Extension: Up to 12 months, subject to request and FAPESP evaluation

Why This Opportunity Matters for International Researchers

The FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers represents more than short-term project financing.

It provides successful researchers with the opportunity to establish an independent research program within one of Brazil’s largest scientific and academic ecosystems.

The combination of substantial research funding, a five-year project period, potential fellowship support, research-team scholarships, relocation assistance, and the possibility of pursuing permanent academic positions makes the program particularly relevant to internationally mobile researchers seeking to build independent scientific careers.

The emphasis on independence is also important. FAPESP is looking for applicants capable of leading their own research directions and developing internationally competitive programs rather than simply participating in existing research activities.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

Applicants should begin preparing well before the November deadline because the application requires extensive scientific and administrative documentation.

Researchers should ensure that their proposals clearly demonstrate:

• Why the proposed research question matters;
• What makes the research original;
• How it advances the frontier of knowledge;
• Why the applicant is particularly well positioned to conduct the project;
• How the project differs from existing research;
• Whether the proposed methodology is scientifically rigorous and feasible;
• What scientific or societal impact could result;
• How the researcher will establish an independent research line;
• How the project could strengthen research capacity in São Paulo; and
• How the applicant’s previous achievements demonstrate leadership potential.

Applicants should also ensure that their CV, trajectory letter, and research proposal tell a coherent scientific story.

Conclusion

The FAPESP Young Investigator Grant for International Researchers 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for accomplished early-career and emerging independent researchers currently based outside Brazil to establish ambitious research programs in the State of São Paulo.

With up to BRL 2.5 million in project funding, the possibility of an additional Young Investigator Fellowship, relocation support, research-team scholarships and fellowships, and a 60-month project duration, the program provides substantial resources for researchers seeking to build independent and internationally competitive scientific programs.

Researchers from all nationalities may be considered, provided they satisfy the eligibility conditions, including having lived and worked abroad for at least two years after completing their PhD and being based abroad when submitting the application.

Research proposals can address strategically important areas ranging from biotechnology and artificial intelligence to energy transition, quantum science, health, biodiversity, sustainable production, food security, and public security.

Eligible researchers interested in establishing or consolidating their research careers in São Paulo should begin preparing their applications well ahead of the November 19, 2026 deadline.

Official Call and Application Information:
https://fapesp.br/en/18389/call-for-proposals-fapesp-young-investigator-grant-for-international-researchers

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